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Cary B. Aarons, MD, is an assistant professor of surgery in colon and rectal surgery. In this blog, he discusses surgical treatment of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in the United States. Fortunately, the overall prognosis for treating colorectal cancer is quite favorable if it is discovered early. In fact, up to 90 percent of patients whose colorectal cancer is diagnosed and treated in the early stages can be cured.

The management of colorectal cancer requires a team approach. From the time of diagnosis, comprehensive treatment demands a coordinated effort between the patient, family, gastroenterologist, oncologist, and surgeon. At Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center, every patient receives a multidisciplinary approach to their cancer care, meaning every member of the team involved in their care works together under one roof.

Experienced patient navigators also assist patients throughout the course of their treatment.

The treatment recommended primarily depends on the stage of the cancer, or the extent to which the cancer has spread.

Surgery offers the only potential for curing cancers localized to the colon and rectum. Invasive cancers localized to the colon typically require a partial colectomy, a procedure in which part of the colon is removed. This procedure is often done with laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon makes smaller incisions in the abdomen through, which specialized cameras and instruments can be inserted. This minimally invasive approach is often less painful and results in a quicker recovery. Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery for rectal cancer are still being studied.

A physician may recommend chemotherapy and radiation be used initially to treat invasive cancers localized to the rectum to decrease the possibility of recurrence after surgery.

Advanced cases of colorectal cancer require chemotherapy and in select cases, there may be a role for surgery.

Learn more about treatment options for colorectal cancer at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center.

Watch Focus On Gastrointestinal Cancers – an educational conference for patients with a gastrointestinal cancer.

March is colorectal cancer awareness month – learn more.

Cary B. Aarons, MD, is an assistant professor of surgery in colon and rectal surgery. In this blog, he discusses colorectal cancer, it’s causes, screening and treatment options, including surgery.

Among adults, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. It is also the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths every year.

These statistics generally mean very little to the average person until they are faced with a colorectal cancer diagnosis. Then, at least initially, nothing else seems more significant.

Fortunately, the overall prognosis is quite favorable if colorectal cancer is discovered early. Up to 90 percent of patients whose colorectal cancer is diagnosed and treated in the early stages can be cured.

Most colon and rectal cancers begin as adenomas, or small polyps, that can progress over time and invade the wall of the bowel. In their later stages, colon and rectal cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body.

Know your risk for colorectal cancer

Roughly 75 percent of colorectal cancers occur in individuals who have an average risk of developing the disease. However, certain factors have been identified that can increase your risk, including:

• Age: Most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are over 50.
• A personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease: Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, can increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Family history of colorectal cancer: First-degree relatives of individuals with colorectal cancer are at increased risk of developing cancer themselves.
• Inherited colorectal cancer syndromes: Genetic syndromes present in some families, such as, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), can increase the risk of colon cancer.
• Racial/Ethnic background: African Americans have a higher incidence of colorectal cancer as compared to other groups in the United States.
• Lifestyle factors: A diet high in fat and low in fiber as well as obesity can increase the risk for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal screening saves lives

Since the early 1980s, the mortality from colorectal cancer has decreased steadily in the United States. In large part, these declines can be attributed to increased awareness and more pervasive screening. However, recent data show that one in three adults between the ages of 50 and 75 are not up to date on recommended screening for colorectal cancer.

Common screening tests for individuals of average risk include:
Fecal occult blood test - recommended annually
Flexible sigmoidoscopy OR double contrast barium enema - recommended every five years
OR
Colonoscopy - recommended every 10 years

Screening should begin at age 50 for the average person.

Other modalities such as CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) and stool DNA testing are also being used but have not been widely adopted.

Individuals at increased risk (see risk factors outlined above) should be screened more frequently with colonoscopy.

Watch CANPrevent Colorectal Cancer – a conference designed to help those at risk for colorectal cancer.

March is colorectal cancer awareness month – learn more.

Today, Penn Medicine is live tweeting from three Focus On Cancer conferences.

 

 

 

 

 

Focus on Gastrointestical Cancer Conference

Penn’s Focus On Gastrointestinal Cancer Conference provides patient-focused information about the latest advances in gastrointestinal cancer risk, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, symptom management and psychosocial issues; as well as the opportunity to network and gain support from other gastrointestinal cancer survivors.

Follow @PennMedicine for live tweeting throughout the conference with the hashtag #GICancerACC.

Chat with the Experts
Visit www.OncoLink.org/Webchat to participate in a live webchat with gastrointestinal cancer experts from the conference. The webchat takes place at 11:45 AM, ET March 2.

Focus on Pancreatic Cancer Conference

Penn’s Focus On Pancreatic Cancer Conference provides patient-focused information about the latest advances in pancreatic cancer risk, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, symptom management and psychosocial issues; as well as the opportunity to network and gain support from other pancreatic cancer patients and survivors.


Follow @PennMedicine for  live tweeting throughout the conference with the hashtag #PanCancerACC.

You can also join the conference via free livestream at PennMedicine.org/Abramson/PanCaLive from 7:30 am to 3 pm EST on March 2.

Chat with the Experts
Visit www.OncoLink.org/Webchat to participate in a live webchat with pancreatic cancer experts from the conference. The web-chat will take place March 2, 1:15 pm, ET.

CANPrevent Colorectal Cancer Conference

Penn's CANPrevent Colorectal Cancer Conference provides information about colorectal cancer prevention, screening, managing high-risk, and genetic factors that contribute to colorectal cancer.

Follow @PennMedicine for live tweeting throughout the conference with the hashtag #CANPreventACC.

A 12-year breast cancer survivor, Gail Slappy was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in April 2009. Upon being diagnoses, Gail began receiving treatment at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center. When she retires from a teaching career this upcoming Spring, Gail plans on volunteering at the Abramson Cancer Center.
I’m a 12-year survivor of breast cancer. I was shocked that I was having another recurrence of cancer.

The multidisciplinary approach

Then, Dr. Ginsberg and I began to talk. I’m familiar with Dr. Ginsberg because he has been treating me over the years. He told me how he would handle my cancer treatment. Then, a team of doctors came in and discussed how I would be treated. The team consisted of Ursina Teitelbaum, MD, a hematology/oncologist; John Plastaras, MD, a radiation oncologist; and Ernest F. Rosato, MD, a surgeon. We all discussed how my case would be handled.

I felt quite relieved and confident that I was receiving the best treatment possible. There was a comprehensive team of doctors, and everyone was consulting with one another about my treatment.

Compassionate care

Throughout my experience at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center, I felt supported. Everyone was just so compassionate towards me and my care. I would receive phone calls at home asking how I was doing.

At my lowest point, I grew quite weak from the combination of radiation and chemotherapy. When I would go to receive therapy, everyone understood how I was feeling and treated me with the most compassion I could ever receive. One time, when I was receiving radiation, one of the radiation therapists talked to me so nicely. The nature of his voice and the way he spoke to me so calmly let me know I would be alright. It truly made all of the difference. He even said that I looked great even though I felt lousy and I probably looked lousy too! He was endearing and he helped me a great deal.

After I had my surgery, the nursing staff and the doctors in the hospital were so kind and gentle. They helped me through the whole process. Everyone was very concerned, very attentive, and genuinely interested in my care, my progress, and my recovery. People always asked what they could do to make me comfortable and how they could help me. That was the sentiment throughout my whole recovery at the hospital.

That’s why I like the comprehensive approach at the Abramson Cancer Center because everyone is in dialogue with one another. They are constantly updating each other on your condition, and making sure that you are okay.

Giving back
I’ve been recovering from my illness. I’m a teacher, and I plan to retire in June. Once I heal, I want to give back. I plan on volunteering at the Abramson Cancer Center. I want to help other individuals who may be diagnosed with cancer and help them get through it. I want them to know it’s not a death sentence or the end of the world. In spite of the seriousness of the illness, you can conquer it. You can be a champion.